Fans picket outside the NHL's New York offices on Dec. 1. The league now has canceled games through Jan. 14. / Allison Joyce, Getty Images

by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

The NHL canceled another block of games on Thursday, bringing the total to 625 through Jan. 14. USA TODAY Sports asked fans to email us their opinions about the ongoing lockout. There were a lot fewer responses this time compared with the previous cancellation. A sampling of what they said:

Thomas Wallace, New York Rangers: "I have asked my wife to not spend any money on NHL products this holiday season. We usually get tickets to three or four games and a number of jerseys, shirts or hats. We are a family of four and will not spend a dime on this sport. The owners and players are to blame. They are fighting over money that we the fans give them."

Quinn Winkler, Chicago Blackhawks: "I'm sick and tired of the lockout. The city of Chicago needs its team and its hockey, and I'm ashamed of Rocky Wirtz because I thought he knew that. I thought he was one of the only owners who understood from a fan's point of view what hockey can do to a city. They need to figure this out."

Al Barman, Nashville Predators:"Preds have heard from me three times already and the deadline for a deal is Dec. 25. That's my deadline to the organization, then my eight-year run as a season ticketholder is over for good."

Janice Dressler, San Jose Sharks: "I have never been more discouraged as a hockey fan than I am today. I have no faith that the commissioner (Gary Bettman) is interested in getting hockey back on the ice. Although (Donald) Fehr is far from blameless in this mess, the lack of willingness to meet with the NHLPA disgusts me and conveys to me that Bettman and the owners are not negotiating in good faith. Furthermore, after the Level 5 survey about the severe damage the lockout has done to the NHL, I'm amazed that there seems to be no sense of urgency from the NHL. I will not lose my passion for my team or for hockey, but I'm not confident that a settlement will be made with Bettman as commissioner. I believe egos are a far greater priority with the powers-that-be than the fans are. The NHL doesn't deserve the loyal fan base they have, and I'm not sure that will ever change. I don't blame the fans who won't return to the NHL if/when it starts again, and although I can't attend a lot of games, I will be thrilled if I get to see hockey again."

Anne Seiff, Washington Capitals: "I'm not at all surprised or disappointed by the latest cancellations. Might as well just cancel the season at this point. This has gotten out of control and I think it's more about egos at this point. And when I saw (deputy commissioner Bill) Daly say (Wednesday) night there would be a season this year, I just laughed. I'm probably one of the only fans that has stuck around and have had my hopes up for so long, but I'm done! I'm now in the 'I'll believe it when I see it' mode. But, don't expect me in any arena anytime soon once the lockout ends. Sorry, owners and players, but it's the least I can do to show how pathetic this whole situation is. Get a deal done!"

John Kwiatkowski, Buffalo Sabres fan living in North Carolina: "Thoroughly disgusted by the lack of urgency and regards for the fans. Are we really to a point where both sides need to hold the game so many people love and support hostage? I feel for the people who earn their living from the sport, especially during the holidays. That is what's wrong with big business â?? the little guys don't matter. If they do resume play, I would hope to see a mass protest by the fans. It would be unreal to see empty arenas across the NHL for at least the first period of opening day. With the power of social media, it would be an important sign of unity and hopefully send a message that we drive the revenue for this sport. Shape up. An absolute must is to have Gary Bettman and (Donald) Fehr immediately resign from their posts."

Chad Martin, Minnesota Wild fan in Dallas: "I love the NHL but since this is the second lockout in seven years, my patience is gone. Don Fehr won't let the season happen; he won't stop until it's canceled. The $3 billion in revenues the league enjoyed, kiss it goodbye. Hockey fans are the most loyal in any sport, but this enough!"

Joe Beare, San Jose Sharks: "It's gotten to the point where an abbreviated season isn't enough to abate my anger and disappointment as a fan. The feeling in 2004-05 was that there were deep, systemic issues that needed to be addressed, and that losing a full season might be a necessary price. But after seven years of increasing revenue, it's hard to see justification for the loss of more than 20 games. I'd almost rather the NHL allow me the privilege of shock and disbelief over another canceled season than insult me with 48 games. Because let's be honest, I'd pay my money and watch those 48 games, but I'd be harboring some major resentment -- like getting back together with someone you love after they've cheated on you."